Leeds demonstrate that Manchester United’s path to the summit will be challenging.
MANCHESTER, England — “United are back, United are back” echoed through Old Trafford late on Monday night.
However, this chant did not originate from the home supporters; it was sung by Leeds United fans who celebrated their first league victory at this venue since 1981.
Are Manchester United truly back? Not exactly. The 2-1 loss to Daniel Farke’s team served as a reminder that the optimism surrounding the club remains quite delicate.
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Indeed, performance has improved under interim head coach Michael Carrick. And yes, it should suffice to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League next season. Yet, any belief that this squad is prepared to ascend to title contenders was harshly dispelled by Leeds during a dominant first-half display.
The visitors, who are battling relegation, arrived in Manchester without a Premier League goal since February, but they could have netted four in the opening 45 minutes. Farke had to settle for two goals from Noah Okafor.
It had been 24 days since United’s last match — the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on March 20 — but for a time, it appeared as if they hadn’t played in months. Red shirts were outmuscled across the pitch, and passes went astray.
This performance was far from the sharp, precise displays against Manchester City and Arsenal at the beginning of Carrick’s tenure.
At halftime, the stadium speakers played “Now we got problems and I don’t think we can solve ’em.” In retrospect, perhaps playing Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood” isn’t the wisest choice when trailing 2-0 at home to one of your fiercest rivals. It only got worse.
Any hopes Carrick had of finding a remedy were diminished by referee Paul Tierney’s decision to send off Lisandro MartΓnez just 10 minutes into the second half.
MartΓnez appeared puzzled when Tierney paused the game to consult the pitchside monitor. VAR official John Brooks identified an apparent hair pull on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Tierney concurred, issuing a red card that could now see MartΓnez suspended for crucial matches against Chelsea, Brentford, and Liverpool.
After the match, Carrick labeled it “a shocking decision.” At least he could take some solace in United’s response.
Down two goals and one man, his team finally began to play. They pulled one back through Casemiro and could have added another. Benjamin Sesko, starting in place of Bryan Mbeumo, had a header expertly saved by Karl Darlow. Moments later, another header from Casemiro was cleared off the line by Calvert-Lewin.
“I thought it was a really good reaction,” Carrick remarked.
“We discussed at halftime the importance of staying positive. [The dressing room] is a bit down and disappointed due to the result. It won’t diminish the confidence or belief.”
Short-term objectives remain attainable. A win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday would position United on the verge of a top-five finish and a place in next season’s Champions League. However, it was a night when long-term aspirations faced a setback.
After signing a new one-year contract last week, Harry Maguire spoke with reporters about his belief that a successful summer in the transfer market could enable United to compete with Manchester City and Arsenal next season. Based on this performance, it will require an exceptional transfer window and more.
The squad is so thin that it struggled to cope with the absence of Kobbie Mainoo, who was ruled out against Leeds due to a minor injury sustained in training. This led to a first start under Carrick for his replacement, Manuel Ugarte, who demonstrated why United is open to offers for his services.
It is a concerning statistic that in Ugarte’s 10 starts this season, United have managed to win only once. Carrick insisted afterward that he is not worried about Ugarte’s form, but he will be hoping that Mainoo is fit to face Chelsea.
This is one selection dilemma he does not need, especially with uncertainties regarding who will be available to play at center back. Maguire, suspended against Leeds following his red card against Bournemouth, may miss additional matches after being charged by the FA for his alleged conduct as he left the pitch at the Vitality Stadium.
If MartΓnez’s red card is upheld, he will face a three-match ban for violent conduct. The worst-case scenario would leave Carrick with no option but to select youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven against Chelsea.
This further illustrates that the squad lacks the depth necessary to contend in both the Premier League and Champions League next season. Meanwhile, Leeds are simply hoping for more matches in the Premier League after moving six points clear of the relegation zone.
“Very proud,” Farke stated. “A first league win here in four decades. Outstanding, especially given the circumstances. The key today was to be brave and play on the front foot.
“If you just park the bus, there is no chance to take points here at Old Trafford.”
Following exuberant celebrations in the corner of the stadium, the Leeds fans began to leave, still singing “United are back.” The few Manchester United supporters remaining inside Old Trafford were left to ponder when they might be able to echo the same sentiment.
